Abstract
Trauma and behavioral outcomes have been widely discussed. However, research exploring youth trauma and its impacts on externalizing and internalizing symptoms among youth experiencing homelessness is minimal. This study utilized frequently used measures (Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACE] and Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]) to understand the relationship among participants living in a homeless shelter, per mother’s report. Statistical analysis revealed (a) a positive correlation between child total number of ACEs and internalizing scores on the CBCL, r = .212, p < 0.5; (b) the relationship between child total number of ACEs and externalizing scores was not significant; (c) time at shelter (B = -.001, SE = .003, p = .05), age (B = .118, SE = .052, p = .02), and gender (B = .755, SE =.412, p = 2.128) were significant. Specifically, an increase in time at shelter was associated with a decrease in internalizing scores (OR = .995), a child’s likelihood of scoring in the borderline/clinical range on the CBCL increased 12.5% with each year of age (OR = 1.125), and males were twice as likely to score within the borderline/clinical range on the CBCL compared to females (OR = 2.13). However, none of the predictors on CBCL externalizing scores were significant. The outcomes will help to provide insight into effective interventions and supports for this population.